DESCRIPTION.--This plate, on being compared with the preceding one, shows a
strong general resemblance, with a considerable difference in detail. Also,
below are two churches, one of which is marked, "Present St. Giles's
Church, built anno 1734," which shows that the map was made not earlier
than that date. It is, in fact, a part of one of a set of
eighteenth-century maps based on that of Agas, and not only differing from
it in detail, but also differing slightly one from another. Some of these
are unsigned, and some are signed "G. Vertue," and were specifically
claimed by Vertue as having been made by him, and based upon Agas's map of
1560. Recently, however, doubts have been raised as to Vertue's share in
the transaction, and it is now very commonly believed that he did no more
than procure some maps, engraved on pewter and made in Holland, based on
that of Agas. These he altered a little in detail, and then claimed as his
own work. The original pewter plates are in possession of the Society of
Antiquaries, Burlington House. The present example differs in some small
particulars from these. Copies of the maps are not rare, and can be seen at
the British Museum and elsewhere.
DETAILS.--The bit of London here represented is of exceptional interest. It
shows the corner of Tottenham Court Road when High Street and Broad Street,
St. Giles, were the main highway, long before the cutting through of New
Oxford Street. It shows, further, the descent of Holborn into the valley of
the Fleet, the "heavy hill" along which criminals were brought from Newgate
to the place of execution. It shows the site where the gallows stood for
some time, about 1413, before being definitely set up at Tyburn. Close to
this was the Bowl tavern, where the condemned man was allowed his last
draft of ale. The most interesting old hospital for lepers is clearly
shown. (See "Holborn," _Fascination of London_ Series.)
* * * * *
"LONDINUM FERACISSIMI ANGLIÆ REGNI METROPOLIS"